Under Study
Missions begin with a study phase during which the key science objectives of the mission are identified, and designs for spacecraft and instruments are analyzed. Study teams are constituted to define measurement and mission elements and deliver achievable objectives with a specific cost and scope. Study teams are managed by a Project scientist, a Program Executive at NASA Headquarters, and a Program office.
*Sort missions by clicking the column headers.
| Division | Name | Launch Date | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth |
CLARREO
The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Mission has been recommended in the NRC Decadal Survey as a key component of the future climate observing system. This mission is part of SMD's Earth Systematic Missions program. | 1Under Study | |
| Earth |
DESDynI
The Deformation, Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics of Ice mission combines two sensors that, taken together, provide observations important for solid-Earth (surface deformation), ecosystems (terrestrial biomass structure) and climate (ice dynamics). This mission is part of SMD's Earth Systematic Missions program. | 20210101 2021 | 1Under Study |
| Earth |
ICESat-2
ICESat (Ice, Cloud,and land Elevation Satellite) is the benchmark Earth Observing System mission for measuring ice sheet mass balance, cloud and aerosol heights, as well as land topography and vegetation characteristics. This mission is part of SMD's Earth Systematic Missions ... | 20160401 2016 | 1Under Study |
| Earth |
SAGE III - ISS
The SAGE III instrument is used to study ozone, a gas found in the upper atmosphere that acts as Earth’s sunscreen. | 20140725 2014 | 1Under Study |
| Earth |
SMAP
The Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) will use a combined radiometer and high-resolution radar to measure surface soil moisture and freeze-thaw state, providing for scientific advances and societal benefits. This mission is part of SMD's Earth Systematic Missions program. | 20150101 2015 | 1Under Study |